Page 4261 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 24 October 2017
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Also, embedded network operators have obligations under the Human Rights Act 2004 which also act as important and fundamental protections for the customer. Under the Human Rights Act the provision of electricity is considered a function of a public nature. Because embedded networks will be providing functions of a public nature, they will be bound by the Human Rights Act and under section 40B of that act must act consistently with human rights. This is an important obligation as the provision of electricity services may impact on the right to life and the protection of the family and children, and it is important that embedded network operators always act in accordance with these rights.
The other component of the embedded network that requires some form of regulation is the electrical infrastructure component. For embedded networks that is appropriately regulated by provisions within the Electricity Safety Act 1971, including requirements for the work to be done by a licensed electrician and certified against industry standards.
In summary, the amendments in this bill find the right balance between removing unnecessary regulation that impedes industry investment and innovation and placing controls on the power of the executive to determine the application of legislation. I envisage that the general exemption power may be used in a similar way in the future where regulation is considered to not be appropriate after the specific circumstances have been considered. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Utilities (Technical Regulation) Amendment Bill 2017
Debate resumed from 21 September 2017, on motion by Mr Rattenbury:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (4.32): This amendment bill makes changes to the Utilities (Technical Regulation) Act 2014. The bill addresses several issues relating to trees touching live powerlines in order to increase public safety and address actions under the strategic bushfire management plan. The bill makes it clear that ActewAGL is the utility responsible for maintaining vegetation on all land in the ACT besides urban backyards and national land.
The act will be amended to make ActewAGL responsible for vegetation management on unleased territory land within urban areas. Currently TCCS are responsible for ensuring that vegetation does not interfere with utility networks. The act will be amended to make ActewAGL responsible for vegetation management on unleased
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